Contract Marriage with My Secret Partner in Crime-Chapter 47: Proposition

Less than an hour later, Reynold walked into the Air Media building. His steps were steady, purposeful, as he crossed the lobby. People glanced up, startled by his sudden presence.

He had that natural detective presence—stern eyes, long strides, a sharp jaw that made him look even more serious. But it wasn’t just his aura. His looks caught attention too.

"Who is that guy?" one intern whispered to another.

"He looks like he walked straight out of a drama series," another girl added, biting her lip.

"I swear, he’s even more good-looking than that celebrity who came here last month. What’s his name again?"

"Daniel something. But this guy? He’s on another level. That tall frame, dark hair, and those emerald eyes? Ugh."

Despite all the curious and admiring looks thrown his way, no one dared approach him. His cold, commanding air made him seem unapproachable. Even the boldest staff members simply watched from a distance.

Then they saw where he was headed.

Zephany stood up from her desk the moment she saw him. She looked nervous but happy.

"Rey," she whispered, voice soft.

Reynold’s face, usually unreadable, broke into a rare smile. He walked over and gently patted her head. "Zeph!"

Gasps rippled through the office.

"Wait... Zephany knows him?"

"Seriously? How lucky is she? First, she got that major scoop, and now this?"

"Ugh, I didn’t want to admit it, but Zephany is actually pretty. Her soft vibe just adds to her charm."

"And now that I look closely, they kind of look alike. Those eyes... oh my god, are they siblings?"

They didn’t have to wonder long.

"Big brother," Zephany said, trying not to blush under all the stares.

"Lil sister," Reynold replied warmly, ruffling her hair again.

The room erupted in hushed chatter.

"Figures! They’ve got the same eyes. Both ridiculously good-looking. Must be in the genes."

"I wish I was born in that family. Imagine having emerald eyes and a model face."

"Do you think if we get close to Zephany, we could get closer to him too?"

Zephany’s ears burned as she heard the whispers. She avoided looking at anyone and tugged lightly at Reynold’s sleeve.

"Let’s talk somewhere quiet."

Reynold nodded and followed her. Pia watched from a distance, concern flickering in her eyes, but said nothing.

They found a small conference room at the end of the hall. Zephany opened the door, and Reynold stepped in first. Once inside, he leaned against the table and crossed his arms, looking at her carefully.

Zephany stood by the door, unsure. Her heart pounded. What did he want to say? Did something happen?

But instead of serious words, Reynold reached into the paper bag he carried and started pulling out neatly packed lunchboxes.

Zephany blinked. "What... is this?"

"Lunch," Reynold said casually, placing the boxes on the table. "I bought you lunch so that you won’t be hungry."

Her eyes widened, then softened. "You... brought this for me?"

He nodded. "Are they overworking you here? You can tell me if they are. Are you sleeping well? Eating properly? I can bring you food from time to time. You must eat healthy and take care of yourself."

Zephany looked down, touched by his concern.

What Reynold didn’t say, though, echoed silently in his head. Do you really like being an investigative journalist like Dad? Are you still mad at me for stopping you before? Where are you staying now? Is your husband treating you well?

He wanted to ask about the contract. About Sophia Sparkle. About Cassius Varen. But one look at Zephany’s tired but determined face made him stop.

She doesn’t know what she’s really caught in, he thought. She just wants to make Dad proud. She thinks this job is her way.

So instead of confronting her, he decided to protect her quietly. Watch over her from a distance. And if Cassius or Sophia were planning anything that could hurt her, he’d make them regret it.

He wouldn’t lose another family member. Not her.

"I’m fine, really," Zephany said, her voice soft. "Work’s been getting better. Everyone’s been nice."

He narrowed his eyes slightly, gauging her expression.

"You sure?"

She nodded, putting on a small smile. "Mm. Don’t worry, big brother. I’m okay."

Reynold didn’t look convinced but didn’t push further. He simply exhaled and smiled back, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Okay then. But if anything happens, even something small, you call me. Got it?"

"Got it."

A few minutes later, Reynold stood and prepared to leave.

"You go back to work. I won’t get in your way," he said.

Zephany followed him to the door, thankful and relieved. But just as Reynold reached for the handle, the door swung open.

Faren Davidson walked in.

The famously grumpy boss had an unusual grin stretched across his face.

"Oh," he said, eyes twinkling. "You must be Reynold."

Reynold straightened. "Yes. Reynold Draven."

Faren studied him. "Son of the late Soren Draven, right?"

Reynold nodded slowly. "That’s right."

"Pleasure to meet you. You really do look like your father," Faren said, extending a hand. "He was a legend in his time."

"Thank you, sir," Reynold replied, shaking his hand.

"Well," Faren continued, chuckling lightly, "I hope you don’t find this too forward, but I have a proposition."

Reynold tilted his head slightly. Zephany looked between them, wary.

"We’re always on the lookout for sharp minds with strong presence," Faren said. "You’ve got the aura of someone who could uncover scandals just by walking into a room. Have you ever considered working in media?"

Reynold blinked. "Media?"

"Yes. Specifically, investigative reporting. You seem like someone who knows how to dig into things. If you’re ever interested, we can talk benefits. You’d get to work alongside your sister too. Isn’t that a good thing?"

Zephany felt her soul leave her body for a second.

No. No. No! Absolutely not!

She kept her expression neutral, but inside she was panicking. If Reynold started working here, how was she supposed to carry out her missions? How could she keep her identity as Eclipse a secret? And what if he started poking around things he shouldn’t?

Reynold looked thoughtful.

Zephany quickly stepped in. "U-Um, big brother’s work is really demanding, sir. He’s rarely even in town."

Faren chuckled. "Well, think about it. Offer stands."

Reynold gave a polite nod. "I appreciate it. I’ll consider it."

Zephany forced a smile, but inside, she was screaming.

Don’t you dare say yes, big brother!

Reynold turned to her, gave her another pat on the head, and smiled. "Take care, Zeph. I’ll see you soon."

She nodded, watching him leave alongside Mr. Davidson. Once the door closed behind them, she slumped into a chair.

How was she supposed to keep her identity hidden if her brother started working in the same building as her?

And worse, what if he really found out the truth?

She sighed.

This job was getting way more complicated than she had signed up for.